Securing Entryways—Insights from Verkada Customers

The entryway isn’t just a door—it’s the first line of defense for any building. From schools and healthcare facilities to logistics centers and corporate campuses, making sure that every visitor to your property should actually be there is a critical safety need. Advances in cloud-based technologies—like video intercoms, mobile access control, and integrated visitor management—are empowering organizations to transform and streamline their entryway security.

Below, we explore why modern approaches to entryway security matter and how integrated solutions help solve real-world challenges, based on insights from various organizations that have embraced a new standard of front-door protection. 

Understand Who’s Outside

Traditional buzzer systems leave staff guessing who’s outside, especially when they lack video context. By using video intercoms with two-way audio, teams can clearly see and speak with visitors before deciding to let them in. In doing so, organizations such as Iredell-Statesville Schools are enhancing safety and convenience.

“It keeps the staff safer, allowing them to see and talk to who is buzzing in, instead of just opening the door for anyone,” says William Perry of Iredell-Statesville Schools.

For those organizations who maintain lists of Persons of Interest (e.g., disgruntled ex-employees) who should not be allowed on-site, in-call person of interest matches help staff instantly recognize high-risk individuals and keep them outside of their property.

Additionally, in especially noise areas like loading docks, investing in intercom systems with high quality audio is critical for clear communication. 

Trinity Broadcasting Networks, for example, has a loading dock near their loud HVAC chiller, yet they can still hear intercom callers with crystal clarity.

“With the new Verkada intercom, we can hear anyone at the door perfectly, even though it sounds like an airplane taking off and landing outside,” says Antonio Montez of Trinity Broadcasting Networks. 

This means more accurate visitor verification and smooth deliveries.

Unlock Doors Remotely

No more juggling phone lines or leaving visitors waiting outside. HealthPro Heritage saw a 40% reduction in missed calls, thanks to on-the-go call receiving. Staff can field and respond to intercom calls via a mobile app, helping to ensure every visitor is either welcomed in or routed to the right person.

“With the on-the-go capabilities of Verkada Intercom and Access Control, we estimate a 98% time-savings for front-desk operations,” adds Josh from HealthPro Heritage.

Because staff can truly receive intercom calls wherever they are, organizations can readily centralize more of their operations, especially during after hours. For example, organizations like Pikes Peak Library District rely on a Security Operations Center (SOC) to field intercom calls from contractors.

“We've gained better control over after-hours activity, especially with our contract companies. Now, they must interact with our SOC to gain access, and we can confirm that doors are locked and alarms are set after they leave," says Michael Brantner from Pikes Peak Library District.

Check Visitors In, Seamlessly and Securely

Get rid of pen and paper clipboards. With electronic visitor management, organizations can streamline the sign-in process and maintain a detailed digital visitor log. Organizations like IFC Global Logistics find this approach not only convenient but also important for protecting visitor privacy. 

“Openly recording personal details like visitors’ names, mobile numbers, and email addresses in a logbook compromises the protection of their personal information. Instead, we use Verkada Guest to protect our visitors’ identities and automate operations,” says Daniel Sammut of IFC Global Logistics.

Certain organizations may face additional requirements for screening their visitors. Companies like Lynx Logistics, for example, need to check the driver’s license of incoming delivery personnel.

“Now, drivers can check in through the Guest iPad, take a photo, and upload their license. This process helps us comply with customs in a streamlined way,” says Francisco Garcia of Lynx Logistics.

And for K-12 schools, student safety is of utmost importance. With Verkada Guest, schools can automatically screen scanned IDs against sex offender registries and criminal databases in seconds in an effort to protect students from dangerous intruders.

Facilitate Easy Employee Access

Visitors—like guests, contractors, or delivery personnel—are not the only parties passing through entryways. Staff, employees, and other authorized parties also need an easy way of entering properties without creating bottlenecks.

In addition to using traditional badges and fobs, organizations can also enable access using Bluetooth and mobile NFC credentials, like Apple Wallet. Organizations like Blackcomb Helicopters are using these credentials so that their employees can unlock doors with just their mobile device. 

“Turning on and using Apple Wallet to unlock doors is effortless. You just tap your phone and walk in,” says Erick Leclerc of Blackcomb Helicopters.

Building front doors aren’t the only types of entryways to consider. Facilities looking to streamline parking garage entry and maintain compliance can integrate license plate recognition (LPR) to track every vehicle. IFC Global Logistics uses LPR to meet strict legislative requirements, ensuring they know exactly which vehicles are on-site and for how long.

“We can easily track the number of vehicles onsite, when they entered, and how long they have been here,” says Daniel Sammut of IFC Global Logistics.

Centralized Management and Reporting

One of the biggest frustrations with legacy systems is that information is scattered across different platforms. Modern solutions give teams a unified view into their security operations—they can see video feeds, intercom calls, door access events, and visitor logs all in one place—reducing manual work and helping to minimize errors.

“The integration between products is powerful, we have a single pane of glass where we can remotely take calls, gain visual context, manage visitors, control access, and call for help if needed,” says Jamie Lee Lewsadder of La Canada Unified School District.

The Bottom Line on the Front Line

Modern entryway security is about more than just letting people in; it’s about enabling smarter, safer, and more convenient access for everyone. By integrating capabilities across video intercom, visitor management, access control, and video security systems, organizations can:

• Confidently verify visitors or drivers, even in noisy or remote areas.

• Access logs, handle calls, and unlock doors across multiple sites with a single cloud-based platform.

• Keep precise records of who enters, when, and how long they stay to support compliance with applicable legislative or regulatory requirements. 

• Reduce missed calls, let front desks handle calls from anywhere, and maintain campus-wide security even after hours.

Regardless of your building type, investing in robust entryway security offers more peace of mind. The right solution transforms your entrances from potential vulnerabilities into well-monitored gateways that protect people, property, and peace of mind—every single day.